INTRODUCTION All computer systems require an operating system to guide and control the operation of its hardware and to link specialized application software to the hardware. This chapter deals with basic operating system structures and operations. It uses the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system as an example because it represents one of the most fundamental operating systems available. This chapter begins with a short description of the various types of operating systems used with microprocessor-based systems, such as single- and multiprocess, multiuser, and multitasking systems. The second major section of the chapter deals with traditional memory organization and management strategies for Microsoft operating systems. The third major portion of the chapter covers Windows 9x functions, structures, and major files. This is followed by a similar discussion of the Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems. After completing the chapter, you should be able to describe the relationship between the system’s BIOS, command-line operations, and graphical user interfaces. You should also be able to describe the structures and major system files associated with the MS-DOS, Windows 9x, and Windows NT/2000 operating systems. http://vladimirlyubanov.fastcomputertools.com/stores/vladimirlyubanov/322418pgabout.html